'Dr.Ella Piper ''(March 8,1884-June 13,1954)

She was born in Brunswick Georgia,(near the Florida line).The only daughter of Ned Bailer & Sarah Williams.Dr.Ella was a well-known civic worker and

businesswoman,who established the first beauty parlor and chiropody office in Forty Myers.She attended Spelman College in Atlanta,Georgia and graduated from Rohrer's world-famous Institute of Beauty Culture located in New York City.Dr.Ella graduated August 25,1915.Her name then was Ella Mae Jones.She majored in body massage and Swedish movements and was a well known Chiropodist (foot doctor).Dr.Ella arrived in Fort Myers in 1915 where she opened her first beauty shop located on Jackson Street across from Englehart's Mortuary.Later the beauty shop was moved to Hendry Street where she also began the practice ofChiropody.In 1916,Dr.Ella moved her business to 1819 Evans Avenue near her home.She also owned the Big 4 Bottling Company located on Mango & Evans.The community enjoyed Big 4 soft drinks for five cents a bottle.Dr.Ella held annual Christmas tree parties for children of Dunbar Heights.Her mama,started this event in 1915 while employed in the H.E.Heitman home.Thus began an institute over the that grew from an original gathering of 15 little girls to some 600 hundred boys & girls who romped over her her lawn at 1771 Evans Avenue Every December 25.When her mama died in 1926,Dr.Piper carried on the Annual Christmas Party with the assistance of many churches,businesses,and many community friends who assisted with contributions and gifts for the youngsters.The annual Christmas Tree Party has continued uninterrupted since Dr.Piper's death through the faithful efforts of local citizens.In Dunbar Heights,she was a Grand Lodge Heights and Executive Board member for 26 years of the Elk Lodge.Dr.Ella also served as a state officer.She was the founder of the Transquillo Temple and organized the Triple City Council and served as Deputy of the District.Dr.Ella was a member of Mt.Olive Church and the Pioneer's Club.Dr.Ella assisted in building the old Dunbar School in 1926.